In a bid to enhance revenue generation and prevent illegal mining activities, the Sindh Department of Mines and Minerals has decided to conduct a baseline survey of mining sites in the province.

According to official inofrmation on Thursday, the decision was made during a meeting chaired by Minister of Mines and Minerals Development and Education Department Sindh, Syed Sardar Ali Shah.

A meeting was held at the Director General’s Office in Karachi on Wednesday, attended by Secretary Mines and Minerals Development Sindh Tahir Hussain Sangi, Director General Mines and Minerals Sindh Zulfikar Khokh, and other officials, including directors and officers, to discuss key issues related to the mining sector in Sindh.

The meeting aimed to identify new mining sites, establish separate courts to address mining-related cases, and improve the monitoring system of mining sites. The minister emphasized the importance of exploring new sites, grading minerals, and establishing a museum and laboratory in the Director General’s office.

Currently, 27 types of minerals are being mined in Sindh, generating significant revenue. In FY 2023-22, Rs1702.89 million was collected, while Rs 1804.43 million was collected in FY2023-24. The minister stressed the need to increase financial resources and ensure public safety and health standards in mining areas.

The department aims to attract investors by creating market utility for minerals, collaborating with factories, universities, and research institutes. Only registered mining associations will be contacted to ensure legal consultations. The establishment of separate courts will expedite mining-related cases and prevent delays.

The baseline survey and grading of minerals will help generate market utility, making Sindh’s minerals more attractive to investors. The minister also instructed the decoration of the Director General’s office, emphasizing the importance of presentation. This initiative is expected to boost Sindh’s revenue and ensure sustainable mining practices.